Improving aptamer performance with nucleic acid mimics: de novo and post-SELEX approaches

• Type: Another Publication in an International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2022

Authors

Oliveira, R (Author) Other; Pinho, E (Author) Other; Sousa, AL (Author) Other; DeStefano, JJ (Author) Other; Azevedo, NF (Author) FEUP; Almeida, C (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Trends in Biotechnology

Vol. 40

Pages: 549-563

ISSN: 0167-7799

Publisher: Elsevier

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 0 Citations

Scopus - 0 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00V-MJ5

DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2021.09.011

Abstract (EN): Aptamers are structural single-stranded oligonucleotides generated in vitro to bind to a specific target molecule. Aptamers' versatility can be enhanced with nucleic acid mimics (NAMs) during or after a selection process, also known as systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX). We address advantages and limitations of the technologies used to generate NAM aptamers, especially the applicability of existing engineered polymerases to replicate NAMs and methodologies to improve aptamers after SELEX. We also discuss the limitations of existing methods for sequencing NAM sequences and bioinformatic tools to predict NAM aptamer structures. As a conclusion, we suggest that NAM aptamers might successfully compete with molecular tools based on proteins such as antibodies for future application.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 15